Construction World March 2015

MARKETPLACE

The nature of risk management is in-depth analysis to inform decision-making and ensuring the client understand that the outputs of these robust and detailed anal- ysis methodologies are paramount. “We align our riskmanagement solutions with international best practices and, while some clients have embraced risk manage- ment as a part of their project design, there are still many clients who require additional edification in order to fully understand the value that risk management brings to a project – particularly large projects. There are a number of risk assessment methodolo- gies available in the market, but determining the most appropriate methodology can be a complex process in itself,” explains Van Wyk. Ultimately, it is imperative to use the correct application of risk management commensurate with the context and nature of the project to ensure the value added is immediate and accurate. Aurecon uses several methodologies and tools that are globally accepted to assess and evaluate potential risks. “Ideally, all clients would appreciate the necessity of including risk assessment and management plans during the design phase of a project. Not only does this make a risk management consultant’s job easier, but it provides clients with the tools, insights and contingency plans they need to gain maximum benefit from our services,” adds Van Wyk.

gap between differing levels of risk maturity, we use international best practices coupled with building a solid relationship, based on understanding the client’s expectations, to ensure service delivery is appropriate to the nature and scale of the project.” No longer a ‘nice to have’ Instead of seeing risk management as a ‘nice to have’ on projects, an increasing number of clients realise that not only their projects, but their entire business philosophy, needs to be risk averse. In light of this, businesses are adopting a risk-centric business philos- ophy which entails proactive measures to harness opportunities through sound princi- ples of risk management. “Instead of hoping for the best, leading companies know that they need to measure their risks in each phase of the project life cycle. This type of preparation leads to progressive and informed decision-making,” adds Van Wyk. As a company, Aurecon is exposed to some of the largest projects in the world, providing the experience that is needed to bring exceptional and complex lessons learned to new projects and teams. While the latest methodologies, models and tools are important, it is the intellectual property, engineering excellence and under- standing of operational and project risk management that sets the company apart as leading risk consultants. “All of the standards, systems and tech- niques can be in place, but without the years of experience in risk management, none of these will add the kind of value that a client needs from an internationally leading risk management team. Partnering with an expe- rienced risk consultant is key to ensuring a project succeeds,” concludes Van Wyk.

economic environment. Van Wyk explains that the complexity of large projects has skyrocketed over the past few years, leading Aurecon’s team to find ways of continually applying and adapting interna- tional best practices to new challenges that confront its clients. “Many of our clients operate in environ- ments that change at a quick pace and one of the key challenges that a risk manage- ment solution needs to address is the level of uncertainty that clients face. One of the core benefits of investing in risk management is that it brings forward a more accurate view on the level of uncertainty at a given time, which means decision-making is made easier in light of the information gleaned through robust assessment and evaluation,” says Van Wyk. Clarifying expectations and meeting clients’ needs Aurecon’s unique approach to risk manage- ment ensures that cutting-edge solutions are applied to each client’s project. Besides using the latest tools and techniques, successful risk management solutions are ensured through the thorough analysis of each project’s risk management needs, as well as making sure that a client’s exposure to various risks are fully understood right from the outset of a project. “Our initial sessions with our clients lay the vital foundation that is needed for successful risk management projects,” comments Van Wyk. “During this session, we are able to wrap our heads around what a client needs, clarify their expectations and match innovative risk management method- ologies to their project. In order to close the

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Risk management in an ever-changing environment

An additional challenge is providing a comprehensive risk management solution to clients who operate in an ever-changing

The Jet Park-based business was judged to be the top performer in two categories. Firstly, it was recognised as Sandvik’s best distrib- utor in terms of marketing support and, secondly, for a remarkable aftermarket sales performance in 2014. Pilot Crushtec International has achieved this recognition, whilst still being a relative newcomer to marketing Sandvik products. CEO Sandro Scherf concluded the distribution agreement with Sandvik as recently as October 2012, and his company’s performance was judged against stiff opposition in the form of nearly 75 other distributors from almost 50 countries around the globe. The panel of judges, drawn from Sandvik management, praised the South African company for its approach to promoting Sandvik mobile products and for its effective use of social media channels. TOP GLOBAL AWARDS Pilot Crushtec International’s reputation as a world-class supplier of crushing and screening equipment received a global endorsement recently when the company was honoured at Sandvik Mobiles’ 2014 Distributor Awards. >

Special mention was made of the success Pilot Crushtec International has achieved in endowing Sandvik with a vibrant media person- ality in both local and international publications as well as on the company’s website. The prize for best aftermarket sales perfor- mance was particularly noteworthy as it was based on sales volumes, something Sandvik regards as especially significant in view of the relatively short time in which the two compa- nies have worked together. During the course of the ceremony held at Northern Ireland’s prestigious Slieve Russell Hotel, Sandvik Mobile’s global sales director, Eugene Lyons, described the association between the two organisations: “We share a very open and honest relationship with a mutual focus on the needs of the end-user. Pilot Crushtec International’s marketing in this industry is truly world-class and is an example to all other dealers on how they, themselves, should market.”

Sandro Scherf (RIGHT), CEO of Pilot Crushtec International, accepting the award for Best Marketing Support from Eugene Lyons, global sales director, Sandvik Mobiles.

CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2015